countyscore
34.5
County Score
Schools 66.9Water Quality 55.2Weather & Climate 48

County Report Card

About Moore County, Texas

Lower livability compared to national peers

Moore County's composite score of 34.5 is roughly 15 points below the national median of 50.0. This ranking indicates significant room for growth in public services and taxpayer value.

Below the Texas state average

The county scores 34.5, trailing the Texas state average of 41.9. It ranks in the lower tier of Texas counties, primarily due to tax and health limitations.

Strong schools and reliable water

Education is a bright spot with a school score of 66.9, which is high for the region. The county also maintains a respectable water score of 55.2, ensuring stable utility access.

Healthcare gaps and tax burdens

The health score of 16.1 is one of the lowest in the area, suggesting limited medical facilities. Additionally, the tax score of 11.8 reflects a relatively high 1.526% effective tax rate.

A choice for budget-conscious families

Moore County suits families who prioritize education and affordable $894 monthly rents. It is a functional home for those who do not require frequent access to specialized healthcare.

2040608010011.843.624.116.166.943.238.155.248Tax11.8Cost43.6Safety24.1Health16.1Schools66.9Income43.2Risk38.1Water55.2Weather4834.5/100
This county
National avg
1 above average3 below average

Moore County DNA

Foverall

How Moore County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Moore County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Property Tax (11.8/100), though Schools (66.9/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
11.8-40.2
Cost
43.6
Safety
24.1-30.9
Health
16.1-33.9
Schools
66.9+12.900000000000006
Income
43.2
Risk
38.1-8.899999999999999
Water
55.2
Weather
48-8
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Think property taxes are too high in Moore County?

Many homeowners in Moore County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$135,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$894/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$135,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,760/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $61,325/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

18.8

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Potter County
Texas
21
Hutchinson County
Texas
41.1
Carson County
Texas
49.3
Sherman County
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52.1
Oldham County
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54.5
Hansford County
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Hartley County
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Randall County
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Deep Dives

Moore County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Moore County

via TaxByCounty

Moore's rate sits above the national average

At 1.526%, Moore County's effective tax rate runs nearly 20% higher than the national median of 1.276%. This places the county in the upper third nationally for property tax burden, meaning homeowners here pay more per dollar of assessed value than most Americans.

Higher than typical for Texas

Moore County's 1.526% rate exceeds Texas's state average of 1.276% by 0.25 percentage points. Among Texas counties, Moore ranks as a higher-tax jurisdiction, though still within the state's typical range.

Moore outpaces its regional peers

Compared to neighboring counties, Moore's 1.526% rate is significantly higher than Motley County (1.097%), Morris County (1.178%), and Nacogdoches County (0.925%). Only Nolan County in the broader region approaches Moore's burden at 1.511%.

On a median home, expect $2,066 yearly

With a median home value of $135,400, Moore County homeowners pay roughly $2,066 in annual property taxes. That's $127 less than the national median tax bill, reflecting the county's below-average home values despite above-average rates.

Your assessment may be negotiable

Property tax assessments in Moore County can sometimes be challenged if your home's assessed value exceeds its market value. Many homeowners discover they've been overassessed and successfully appeal to lower their tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Moore County

via CostByCounty

Moore County beats national affordability

Moore County renters spend just 17.5% of income on housing, outperforming both the national trend and Texas average of 18.1%. At $894 monthly rent against a median household income of $61,325, Moore offers genuinely affordable housing by U.S. standards.

Among Texas's most affordable markets

Moore County's 17.5% rent-to-income ratio places it below the state average, signaling relative affordability within Texas's diverse housing landscape. The median home value of $135,400 keeps homeownership accessible for middle-income families in the region.

Moore's sweet spot for budget-conscious renters

Moore County's $894 median rent edges out Morris County ($824) but significantly undercuts Montgomery County ($1,471), while the $61,325 median income falls between neighboring counties. This balance makes Moore attractive for households seeking modest living costs without sacrificing community amenities.

Moore's lean housing-cost structure

Renters here dedicate $894 monthly while homeowners pay $871—remarkably similar costs—against a $61,325 median household income. Housing costs consume under one-fifth of budgets, freeing significant resources for savings and other expenses.

Moore County awaits budget-conscious relocators

If you're relocating to find genuine housing affordability without cutting corners on community quality, Moore County delivers solid value. Benchmark your current rent-to-income ratio: Moore's 17.5% rate suggests meaningful savings if you're currently above 20%.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Moore County

via IncomeByCounty

Moore County Falls Short Nationally

Moore County's median household income of $61,325 trails the national median of $74,755 by roughly $13,400. This 18% gap reflects the economic pressures facing rural Texas counties in competing with national wage trends.

Below Texas's State Average Income

At $61,325, Moore County's median household income falls below Texas's state average of $64,737. The county's per capita income of $27,472 also underperforms the state average of $33,197, suggesting limited high-wage job availability.

Moore Ranks Mid-Tier Among Peers

Moore County earns slightly more than Morris ($55,082) and Nacogdoches ($51,528), but less than Motley ($62,857) and Montague ($62,818). The county's income profile aligns with other rural Texas communities balancing limited local economies with broader state trends.

Affordable Housing Supports Stability

Moore County's 17.5% rent-to-income ratio keeps housing costs well below the 30% affordability benchmark. Median home values of $135,400 remain accessible to households earning around $61,000, providing stable housing foundations.

Start Small, Build Steadily

Moore County's affordable living costs create opportunities to save and invest despite modest incomes. Begin with emergency savings, employer retirement plans, and modest investment accounts to develop financial resilience over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Moore County

via CrimeByCounty

Moore County Maintains National Safety Edge

Moore County posts a safety score of 97.0, indicating a secure community relative to the rest of the country. Its total crime rate of 1,907.5 per 100,000 remains lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Beating the Texas Crime Average

Moore holds its own against the Texas average, with its safety score of 97.0 edging out the state baseline of 96.8. The county's total crime rate is also lower than the statewide average of 2,052.5.

Comparing Moore to North Texas Peers

Moore's crime rate of 1,907.5 is higher than its neighbor Montague County at 1,480.4. However, it remains more favorable than several other Panhandle and North Texas jurisdictions.

Understanding the Property Crime Landscape

Property crimes make up the bulk of local reports at 1,639.7 per 100,000 residents. Violent crime is relatively low at 267.8, which is nearly 100 points below the national average.

Securing Your Moore County Property

Securing your perimeter is a vital step in maintaining this county's high safety standards. Awareness of property crime trends helps homeowners stay one step ahead of potential intruders.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Moore County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Education in the Northern Panhandle

Moore County operates 12 public schools across two districts, providing a centralized education system for 4,867 students. The infrastructure consists of six elementary, three middle, and three high schools. This compact layout ensures that resources are concentrated within a handful of key town and rural locations.

Exceptional Graduation Outcomes

The county boasts an impressive 98.5% graduation rate, far exceeding both the state average and the 87.0% national benchmark. Despite a per-pupil expenditure of $6,854, which sits below the state average, the county earns a school score of 57.7. These metrics highlight a high-performing system that delivers strong results for its graduates.

Dumas ISD Anchors the Community

Dumas ISD serves as the primary educational provider with nine schools and 4,192 students. Sunray Collegiate ISD manages the remaining three schools, serving a smaller population of 675 students. The county does not currently host any charter schools, focusing exclusively on traditional public district education.

Small Town Feel with Significant Hubs

Most students attend one of the nine schools located in town settings, where the average school size is 406 students. Dumas High School serves as the largest campus with 1,140 students, while smaller elementary schools like Cactus EL provide more intimate settings. This balance creates a community-centric atmosphere across the district.

Discover Homes with Top-Tier Grad Rates

Moore County is an attractive destination for families seeking some of the highest graduation rates in the state. Real estate in Dumas and Sunray provides direct access to these high-performing districts. Consider the local school quality as a cornerstone of your home-buying strategy in the Panhandle.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Moore County

via RiskByCounty

Moore: Low Risk Despite Wildfire Threat

Moore County scores 61.90 on the national composite risk scale, ranking as "Relatively Low" and exceeding Texas's state average of 49.00 primarily due to wildfire exposure. The Panhandle county's overall risk profile remains manageable compared to higher-threat regions nationally.

Panhandle County, Moderate Texas Rank

Moore ranks in the middle-to-lower range among Texas's 254 counties, driven largely by wildfire hazards common to the Panhandle plains region. The county's tornado and earthquake risks add modest elevation above the state average, but remain below coastal and urban county levels.

Similar Risk to High Plains Neighbors

Moore's composite score of 61.90 aligns closely with other Texas Panhandle counties facing comparable wildfire and tornado exposure. The county's near-zero hurricane risk (0.00) and minimal flood risk (9.61) distinguish it favorably from counties further east or south.

Wildfire and Tornado Dominate Hazard Profile

Moore County's wildfire risk peaks at 89.25, making it the dominant natural disaster threat for residents and agricultural operations. Tornado risk reaches 75.45, while flood (9.61) and hurricane (0.00) risks are negligible in this semi-arid Panhandle location.

Focus on Wind and Wildfire Protection

Moore County homeowners should prioritize windstorm coverage and ensure their insurance includes wildfire damage protection, especially in rural areas near grasslands. Create a 30-foot defensible perimeter around your home by removing dead vegetation, and keep gutters clear of debris to reduce ignition risk during fire season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Moore County

via WaterByCounty

Moore County Maintains Moderate Compliance

Moore County has earned a C grade for drinking water compliance with only 2 health violations over five years. Its violation rate of 10.3 per 100,000 residents is exemplary compared to the Texas average of 581.9 and the national baseline. Local water systems are successfully avoiding the frequent health violations seen in neighboring counties.

Limited Data on Federal Watershed Impairments

Local water bodies in Moore County have not been formally assessed under the Clean Water Act §303(d) standards. No impairment data or contaminant causes are currently listed in the federal ATTAINS reporting system for this cycle. The lack of data makes it difficult to assess the biological or chemical health of local surface waters.

Targeted Monitoring Focuses on Organics and Metals

A small network of 6 monitoring sites has recorded 774 measurements over the past five years. Researchers focus on organics, inorganics, and minor metals to ensure safety across the county. This limited but targeted dataset provides essential oversight for specific chemical groups in the local water table.

Extreme Low Flow at Big Blue Creek

The gauge at Big Blue Creek near Fritch shows a current discharge of 0 cfs, representing just 6% of its typical long-term mean. This significant drop from the mean of 3 cfs highlights a severe lack of surface water movement in the 407 square mile drainage area. Drought-like conditions are significantly impacting the county's primary monitored stream.

Watch Your Source as Surface Water Dries

While drinking water compliance is strong, the extreme low flow at Big Blue Creek suggests a fragile surface water supply. Residents using groundwater should be mindful that low surface flows often lead to increased reliance on aquifers, which may change water chemistry. Regularly check for local updates on water conservation and potential inorganic spikes during dry spells.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Moore County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cooler and Drier Panhandle Climate

Moore's average temperature of 56.5°F is very close to the 53°F national median. It is a dry region with only 17.7 inches of annual precipitation.

One of the Coolest Texas Counties

The county is much cooler than the 65.5°F state average and significantly drier than the 31.9-inch state mean. It sees 9.1 inches of snow, which is rare for most of Texas.

Far Snowier than Southern Peers

Moore averages 9.1 inches of snow, far exceeding the 1.6 inches found in Mitchell County. It also has fewer extreme heat days, totaling 73 compared to Mitchell's 112.

True Winters and Manageable Summers

July averages 78.7°F, leading to just 73 extreme heat days. Winters are cold for the state, averaging 36.8°F with significant snowfall for a Texas county.

Preparation for Snow and Wind

Snow removal tools and heavy coats are necessary for the 9.1 inches of annual snowfall. The 73 days of heat are fewer than most of Texas, but cooling is still needed in July.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Moore County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Mollisols define Moore's landscape

The county's dominant soils are Mollisols, which are typically fertile grassland soils. With a pH of 7.72, these soils are significantly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5.

Clay loam provides a stable base

The soil features a clay loam texture composed of 51.5% sand and 20.1% clay. This mix offers a good balance of workability and structural integrity for regional agriculture.

Strong water capacity despite lower organic matter

Organic matter sits at 1.45%, which is slightly below the Texas average of 1.66%. However, the available water capacity of 0.144 in/in exceeds the state benchmark, helping plants survive dry spells.

Well-drained ground supports steady growth

The soil is classified as well-drained and belongs to hydrologic group B. This indicates a moderate infiltration rate, making it suitable for a variety of building and farming uses.

Winter wheat thrives in zone 7a

Hardiness zone 7a allows for successful cultivation of winter wheat and hardy perennials. Start a garden with crops that enjoy well-drained, alkaline ground to see the best results.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Moore County

via LawnByCounty

Moore County Leads the State Average

Moore County scores a 43.3 on the difficulty scale, making it one of the more manageable areas in Texas for lawn care. Its Zone 7a climate is cooler than the state average, though it remains slightly more difficult than the national median.

Arid Conditions Require Supplemental Water

The county only receives 17.7 inches of annual rain, falling far short of the 30-50 inches preferred by most turf. While there are only 73 extreme heat days, the dry air means you must rely heavily on irrigation to keep grass green.

Well-Drained Alkaline Clay Loam

Soil pH here is 7.72, which is more alkaline than the national ideal of 6.0-7.0. The well-drained clay loam texture is excellent for structure, but you may need sulfur amendments to lower the pH for certain grass species.

Navigating Abnormally Dry Conditions

Though the county only spent 3 weeks in drought over the last year, 100% of the area is currently abnormally dry. Practice water conservation by watering early in the morning to reduce evaporation in this windy Panhandle environment.

Choosing Hardy Panhandle Species

Buffalograss and Blue Grama are perfect water-wise choices for Moore County’s arid climate. Wait until after the late spring frost on April 21 to start your seeding project.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Moore County's county score?
Moore County, Texas has a composite county score of 34.5 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Moore County rank among counties in Texas?
Moore County ranks #184 among all counties in Texas on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Moore County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Moore County is $2,066, with an effective tax rate of 1.53%. This earns Moore County a tax score of 11.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Moore County?
The median household income in Moore County, Texas is $61,325 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Moore County earns an income score of 43.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Moore County, Texas a good place to live?
Moore County scores 34.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #184 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Moore County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Moore County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.